Tipo The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

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Tipo The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

  • The new FIAT model receives Autobest's most coveted prize. The model was voted by an international jury panel of 26 motoring journalists from 26 different European countries.
  • With a total of 1492 points, FIAT Tipo overtook the other four finalists: the new Opel Astra, the new Hyundai Tucson, the Honda CRV and the Mazda CX-3.
  • Particularly appreciated was the car's value for money, which is a key concept in the strategy of the FIAT functional family.
  • FIAT is the only brand to have won the prestigious title no fewer than three times: in 2003 with Panda, in 2008 with Linea and today with the new FIAT Tipo.

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The international jury panel of Autobest – an independent organisation created in 2001 – voted FIAT Tipo "Autobest 2016". The accomplishment reasserts the model's vocation as a functional car which maximises value for money, this being a crucial concept in the FIAT functional family. The car is packed with what customers genuinely appreciate, with a simple range and a transparent commercial offer.

A jury of 26 motoring journalists representing 26 European countries and covering 91% of the continent's total population awarded 1492points to the car for thirteen different parameters, including design, comfort, running cost-effectiveness, driveability, price, service network, spare parts distribution, versatility and buy-back value. In brief, a car must be the best buy for most European customers in order to win.

This year, the new FIAT Tipo came first ahead of the other four finalists: the new Opel Astra, the new Hyundai Tucson, the Honda CRV and the Mazda CX-3. For the jury, FIAT Tipo is an outstanding product with all the ingredients needed to satisfy an average customer of Europe: design, engines, perceived quality, comfort, versatility and excellent price-to-quality ratio.

With the new Tipo's extraordinary accomplishment, no fewer than three FIAT models have won the coveted accolade, a record among the brands assessed by Autobest: the first was Panda (2003) and the second was Linea (2008). The award ceremony will take place next February in Milan. This will be the first gala after the jury was expanded to include eleven new members representing Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Sales kicked off very successfully this month in Italy – remarkably, over one thousand contracts were sealed during the first dealership weekend event. FIAT Tipo will be launched in other countries by next spring in a total of 40 markets across the EMEA region.

It will be available at launch, in the UK, in hatchback and estate versions. A saloon version has not yet been confirmed for the UK.

“I am very much looking forward to the introduction of this excellent C-segment model next year,” says Sebastiano Fedrigo, head of brand, FIAT UK. “Beautifully styled and built to the highest standards, the car will bring a new dimension to FIAT’s model line-up and will, I am sure, attract a lot of interest from our customer in the UK.”

In detail, the new car combines a large load capacity (520 litres) with compact overall dimensions (it is 4.54 metres long, 1.79 metres wide and 1.49 metres high). The 2.64 metre wheelbase emphasises its excellent internal comfort. All this is enhanced by Italian design, inside and out, which makes the car unique in its segment.

The new car fits a reliable suspension layout for very accurate driving, brilliant road-holding and outstanding passenger comfort: independent wheels McPherson on the front axle and interconnected wheels torque beam on the rear. The two layouts are optimised to reduce weight and contribute in this way to improving the car's fuel-efficiency.

In true FIAT style, the new Tipo is packed with plenty of clever solutions that make life better for everyone on-board. Like the remarkably rich standard equipment and the availability of the Uconnect TM system with a 5" colour touchscreen display, hands-free Bluetooth system, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel and, on demand, rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D Touch navigation system.

The car's name – Tipo – sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that FIAT has used many times during its over one century of history. One of the models to carry the coveted name was the car of which nearly two million were made from 1988 to 1995 and which was awarded "Car of the Year 1989" also because of its versatile use, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions. The same winning features are found on the new Tipo, a practical, functional model which in perfect FIAT tradition ensures the best equipment-to-price ratio, this being the real value of any industrial product.

The new FIAT Tipo was designed in Italy by Centro Stile FIAT, developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D, which is one of FCA's largest research and development centres, and made in the Tofaşplant in Bursa –one of the world's best automotive factories which has received a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

This car is going to be competing in the Astra/Focus/Golf segment.

It's already hampered by being based on the Punto platform, ultimately it probably won't offer the ride/handling that it should be.

It has to be priced quite lowly to be tempting to a small proportion of people.

It'll be competing with the cheaper end of the segment (Kia, Hyundai, Skoda etc.) - the more recent Fords and VW are arguably a notch higher quality of fit and finish.

The point is it's not going to compete with the mid/high spec' cars of the segment, since the amount of gadgets and the expectations of the punters at that end mean there's no profit in the car. The middle (even mid-low) ground on the other hand means you can offer a cheaper car with less kit... AND make more money out of it.

Fiat's other problem is that even a car as "quality" (I use that word advisedly.. :D ) as a Golf.. even a car better than the Golf.. will STILL never sell in any numbers. Punters buy the badge, not the car. No point in competing like-for-like.

The beast is based on a re-worked 500L bits and pieces, not Punto... though having had Fiats for the last half a century.. you will see Punto bits in it too, I'm sure. :D

Everywhere else in Europe it is bargain price (€12,500/£10,000 in Italy... so I suspect it'll cost from £15,000 in the UK.. just saying, Fiat UK... :D )


Ralf S.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

It is based on the GM Fiat small platform and is used in multiple Fiat/GM cars.

In 500x and Jeep Renegade spec it's independently Sprung at the rear as opposed to the torsion beam this will have. However, it started life with the Punto/Corsa in 2005.

I wouldn't class the Hyundai or Skoda at the lower end of the market these days neither, as the prices for those cars against equivalent Astras/Focus's are not the much different and I suspect in the case of the Skoda actually more.

It's really going to have its work to cut out to compete. I also agree that a lot of people will buy a car simply because of the badge on the front of it.

Even if it turns out to be a good car, which I suspect it will only at best be average it won't sell very well.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

At the right price it will sell reasonably well by offering a decent amount of space for the money. It may well turn out to be a lot better than average in aclass dominated by white goods.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

Yes that's the point.. if it's cheap enough people will buy it. If it's just the same price as everything else, it will never sell, no matter how good it is (see Bravo 2 as the proof).

The pricing in the mid/upper sector and the level of "quality" and equipment/spec' a manufacturer has to provide also makes it borderline unprofitable to sell cars for the money. VW was losing money on every Golf 6 (5?) sold .. and Bravo 2 was making Fiat about £50 per car profit.

Tipo (loitering around in the space that Hyundai/Kia, Skoda and the like *used* to occupy) can shift more units. Even at £50 profit a car that would be better for Fiat.. but my understanding is that Tipo will is more than 3 times more profitable per car.. so more sales of a more profitable car.

It's a no-brainer for Fiat... and in any case, a simple, basic car without too many gadgets you probably could survive without... What's not to like?

Ralf S.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

It's a no-brainer for Fiat... and in any case, a simple, basic car without too many gadgets you probably could survive without... What's not to like?

Ralf S.

I think people are gradually beginning to realise they don't need a lot of the toot in the latest models, hence why you see a fair few Dacias around: less unnecessary kit, but a colossal amount cheaper!
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

I've never been a fan of "toot".. :D

I tend to like old second-hand cars where "this year's gizmo" is just something that's broken by the time I inherit it... and which I can't find the parts for or they cost £500 more than the car did.

I'll probably be able to afford a brand new Tipo.. :D (yes, yes I know seconda mano is better "value" but it's my bit of an indulgence.. :D) and if it's not festooned in un-necessary c*** then I'd probably have to have one..

Too much "stuff".. or too expensive (Fiat UK breaking the 11th Commandment - Thou Shalt Not Take the Pi55) and it'll have to be a second-hand 500X instead.. :)


Ralf S.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

Hi to everyone
Bought the new TIPO 15500euro 1.6 jtd 2 with 120hp, and already after 1000km having minor problems.The funny thing is FIAT official service can not solve them.I was very disappointed. i hope they will solve them in one week as they told me.The problem began with the TFT display going of by it self:) and after one day it was working as if nothing happen.After a week and at 1220 km the service light came on and i went for the first check up service.They said your car is in our campaign list for software update.After the update the numbers on the display where you see how much km you pass keep blinking while driving:).So i change the display to "trip" or consumption so it wont bother me.The official dealer in my country said that fiat has not a solucion for this problem yet and i should wait one or two week until they get the software.
 
re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

That's £12,200 in real money.. :D

It's a pity about the TFT... but "at least" it's just a TFT software problem I hope, rather than a car problem. I've got a Stilo.. so the ".. dashboard dying all by itself.." is a bit more serious in that car.. :D

If it's just software needed to fix it .. but the TFT is otherwise okay.. then that's not so bad. They'll patch the software and it'll be fixed without needing any new parts.

My Stilo dashboard.. needs parts. :D


Ralf S.
 
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re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

My Stilo is 12 years old... 120,000 miles now.

It's not a bad car.. the suspension is quite soft (5 doors) and it has 65-section tyres.. so it's "your dad would like it" comfortable... but when you drive it a little faster you can tell there's a great chassis in there.

Maybe I'll fit some 17" wheels and lower profile tyres in the summer.. :D

The body and the external components seem pretty robust. There's no rust on the chassis or the brake pipes despite the UK weather (we have salt on our roads in winter), The subframes and the suspension springs are starting to lose their epoxy coat.. but on the whole, it'll last a few more years easily.

The quality inside is nothing too sexy but then it was one of the cheaper cars, even in 2004... and it doesn't look like the previous owners looked after it very much, which hasn't helped. Still.. it's survived. :) If I can solve the instruments problem then pretty much it all works.. (just the headlamp adjuster and the heated door mirrors seem to be on strike).

I bought it to drive around while I fix my Alfa 145 (waterpump failed and wrecked the engine) and to try a diesel engine... It's an impressive engine for just 115bhp and uses hardly any fuel.. but I think I'll stick with petrol next time, please.. :D

If Fiat UK import the Tipo 4-doors here then I'll probably buy one. I think there is a 120bhp petrol which sounds just the ticket for me. Even the 5-doors doesn't look too bad (if Fiat UK don't import the 4-door) but I like saloons even if the rest of the UK doesn't... so I'm hoping.. :)

Ralf S.
 
My Stilo is 12 years old... 120,000 miles now.

It's not a bad car.. the suspension is quite soft (5 doors) and it has 65-section tyres.. so it's "your dad would like it" comfortable... but when you drive it a little faster you can tell there's a great chassis in there.

Maybe I'll fit some 17" wheels and lower profile tyres in the summer.. :D

The body and the external components seem pretty robust. There's no rust on the chassis or the brake pipes despite the UK weather (we have salt on our roads in winter), The subframes and the suspension springs are starting to lose their epoxy coat.. but on the whole, it'll last a few more years easily.

The quality inside is nothing too sexy but then it was one of the cheaper cars, even in 2004... and it doesn't look like the previous owners looked after it very much, which hasn't helped. Still.. it's survived. :) If I can solve the instruments problem then pretty much it all works.. (just the headlamp adjuster and the heated door mirrors seem to be on strike).

I bought it to drive around while I fix my Alfa 145 (waterpump failed and wrecked the engine) and to try a diesel engine... It's an impressive engine for just 115bhp and uses hardly any fuel.. but I think I'll stick with petrol next time, please.. :D

If Fiat UK import the Tipo 4-doors here then I'll probably buy one. I think there is a 120bhp petrol which sounds just the ticket for me. Even the 5-doors doesn't look too bad (if Fiat UK don't import the 4-door) but I like saloons even if the rest of the UK doesn't... so I'm hoping.. :)

Ralf S.

Pretty much how I would sum-up how I feel about the Stilo after the one I had for over 6 years. Mine was a 3dr on 17" wheels so rode a bit stiffer than the 5dr, but it still felt more settled & comfy than my MiTo (also on 17" wheels) & the chassis was much more fun than I expected given the poor reception the Stilo got from the press and market when new. The MiTo has sharper steering, but the Stilo felt more 'together', like everything was to the same standard. The MiTo feels like the steering & suspension are from 2 different classes of cars (steering being good, suspension being awful).

Like you I found the exterior very robust. Mine was a light green colour so not prone to showing marks, but the paint was as-new when I sold it at 10 years old with 104k on the clock. I used to work in a car dealership & when I put it up on the ramps in the workshop, the only corrosion was a tiny patch on the exhaust (which was the original) & compared to Mazda's that we dealt with, and even some newer Italian cars, the Stilo was remarkable underneath. I didn't wash underneath more than a couple of times a year & it was driven on salt-covered damp motorways regularly. Interior had worn more, but mostly the cheap feeling door cards (round the interior door handles). The seats, gear stick & dash all looked new. Thankfully the instruments worked fine (including *Checking* when I turned the ignition on!) and the only bits that broke were (just like yours) the headlight adjuster & one heated door mirror! A few suspension bits wore out over the years but the only thing that failed randomly was the Crank Sensor, which I believe was made by Bosch (typical!).

The JTD 115 engine was fantastic for its power - my 1.3 JTDm MiTo only gets about 5mpg more than the Stilo (often it's MPG is the same or less than the Stilo) & it also has no power at all below 1500rpm whereas the Stilo was like it was continuously on boost.

I also prefer the new Tipo saloon to the 5dr hatch, but I reckon we won't get the saloon in the UK, which is a great shame. I would consider the 1.6 Multijet Tipo 5dr, but it depends how the colour & wheel/trim options work in the UK, as the 3dr Stilo & the MiTo both look quite good to me & I fear the 5dr Tipo might feel a bit frumpy after what I've been used to. It also depends a lot on how greedy Fiat UK get with pricing - I won't get a Tipo if for a couple of grand extra I could have an Alfa Giulietta, for example :)
 
Loved the stilo always.Timelless design.My tipo is 1.6 jtd2 and ti be honest its very nice even at low rpm.Fast and lively.I should have got 17-inch wheels ...mine are 16.Overall a am happy with it.(only the TFT problem).As a previous owner of a shkoda octavia 1.9 tdi 2012 with 105bhp the tipo is more interesting for me .Loved the shkoda also but i crashed beyond repair.I have about 1100 miles on the tipo and waiting for the software update...
 
This ^^^ is "Why Fiat UK will import the Tipo saloon..." so that's why I love it

Although it really is an awkward looking beast... :D

But MINI will push it.. and maybe the "unfashionable" saloon will become the next trendy thing/once again.

If MINI markets saloons into a desirable niche, then Tipo 4-door would benefit off the coat-tails. :)


Ralf S.
 
Re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

Ralf S.: in fairness, it isn't unknown for people to buy small family saloons. Granted, you're going back to the 90s/early 00s, but Seat shifted a few Cordobas, ford sold a few focus saloons, and Vauxhall offered a mk3 & mk4 Astra saloon. I do genuinely think that the 1 thing that will be an issue for all Tipo variants will be the Fiat badge.
 
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Re: The new FIAT Tipo wins the prestigious "AUTOBEST 2016" award

Don't forget the Marea, didn't sell in huge number but was definitely there.

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I had in fact forgotten about the Marea, lol! I forgot to mention the vw vento and boring, the Peugeot 306 Sedan, the Orion/Escort, the mk1 Hyundai Accent was a saloon as well.
 
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